Orioles closer Zach Britton getting an MRI on his knee

Between the way that Zach Britton has occasionally looked on the mound since returning from the disabled list and the way that Orioles manager Buck Showalter has almost seemed reluctant to use him at times, the question of whether he was totally healthy has been something you've had to wonder for a little while.

Following Wednesday's game, when Britton's American League record streak of consecutive saves came to an end, Britton revealed that he will be getting an MRI on his knee tomorrow.

Although this sounds like the kind of "Aha!" moment that might explain why Britton's command is off this season, and why he's been giving up some more line drives and fly balls than past years, this is apparently not the case, at least according to Britton himself:

Britton added to Orioles reporters that his aim in getting the MRI is to get an idea of whether he will need some kind of procedure in the offseason or not. He also said that he does not believe the issue is serious.

Not really the kind of stuff you want to hear about the closer the Orioles didn't trade at the deadline, who's going to end up costing $15 million or more next season.

That's not even getting into the fact that the O's could use some kind of healthy version of Britton if they're really going to try to chase down a wild card spot this season... not that he's guaranteed to ever get the opportunity to pitch in the postseason if the Orioles even make it to that game. But that's another story entirely.

One more thing about this year's O's to have everybody holding their breath. Here's hoping that the news on Britton's MRI is good.